"گاهی بیدار می‌شوی. گاهی سقوط تو را می‌کشد. و گاهی، وقتی سقوط می‌کنی، پرواز می‌کنی."

Life is unpredictable. That’s the essence of what’s being said here. Sometimes things turn out well, other times they don’t, and occasionally, things exceed all expectations.

The quote reflects on the uncertainty and duality of life experiences. It speaks to the idea that not every risk will pay off, but without taking risks, we’ll never know what incredible opportunities might be waiting. The core idea is this: life comes with ups and downs, and while some falls are hard and painful, others can lead to soaring achievements.

Now, let's dig into some context. This line comes from Neil Gaiman’s "The Sandman" series. Gaiman often explores themes of dreams, reality, and the fine line that separates the two. In this particular quote, he’s touching on the idea that life’s journey is filled with unexpected turns. Sometimes you might be pleasantly surprised, and sometimes you might face harsh consequences, but there’s also the chance of remarkable success.

Imagine you're in a situation where you’ve been contemplating a career change. You’re stuck in a job that doesn’t make you happy, and there’s something else you’ve always wanted to do. Perhaps you dream of starting your own business. You’re scared because there’s so much at stake—financial security, stability, the fear of the unknown. You could stay where you are (wake up), take the leap and fail (the fall kills you), or take the leap and find that you succeed beyond your wildest dreams (you fly).

Take the story of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. She was selling fax machines door-to-door, not particularly fulfilling work. She had an idea for a product—a type of shapewear that didn’t exist yet. It was a huge risk. She put her savings into it, faced numerous rejections, and at any point, her venture could have failed. But she persevered, and not only did she succeed, she revolutionized an industry and became a billionaire. She flew.

So how do you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by recognizing that risks are a part of growth. If you don’t step out of your comfort zone, you’ll never know what you’re capable of. Think about what you really want to achieve. What’s the risk involved? What’s the worst that could happen? Sometimes, just thinking it through can make the fear more manageable.

Here’s a relatable scenario: say you’ve always wanted to write a book. You’ve got stories swirling in your head, but the fear of failure holds you back. What if nobody reads it? What if it’s no good? But imagine if you just started writing. Maybe you join a local writer’s group, get feedback, learn and improve. You might face rejections from publishers, which is tough, but you might also find a publisher, and your book could be a success.

Life is a series of chances. Not every risk will pay off, but if you don’t take any, you’ll never know what incredible heights you might reach. Embrace the uncertainty, because sometimes, when you fall, you fly.